Indiana
NBA veterans Jeff Teague, Draymond Green praise Indiana Pacers forward James Johnson
On a recent episode of The Draymond Green Show, Golden State Warriors veteran forward Draymond Green and former NBA guard Jeff Teague discussed Indiana Pacers forward James Johnson and what makes him so valuable.
Johnson, who re-signed with the Pacers last week on a partially guaranteed contract, is about to enter his third season with the franchise. He has been a key leader for Indiana behind the scenes, and he was previously a teammate of Teague in college.
Teague, who spent one season with the blue and gold as a player, told a story about Johnson doing a fight for money in college while the two were at Wake Forest. Johnson had Teague’s back when they were with the Demon Deacons — and the Indianapolis native said he’s seen Johnson knock somebody out.
The Pacers veteran forward has multiple black belts, and some people jokingly refer to him as team security or a bodyguard. He even wore a hat that said “security” to a game between Indiana and Memphis last season.
Green explained his belief that Johnson’s toughness gives the Pacers more swagger. “The most feared man in the NBA,” Green said of Johnson. “[Having him around] allows them to just ball.”
“You’re about to go fight? For money? Oh hell I’m not f****** with this dude” 🤣
—Jeff Teague shares a James Johnson story with @Money23Green pic.twitter.com/FR1Q7QldK9
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) July 18, 2024
Green, on an earlier episode of his podcast that didn’t feature Teague, had more to say about the impact Johnson has on the Pacers.
“One of the most valuable players on the Indiana Pacers is a guy who does not even get in the basketball game… not really why he’s there. One of the most valuable players on the Indiana Pacers is James Johnson,” Green, a four-time All-Star, said. “The reason James Johnson, to me, is one of the most valuable players on the Indiana Pacers is because he is the very reason that [Tyrese Haliburton] is talking [smack] like that… ‘y’all ain’t going to do nothing to me, and it is what it is. What are you gonna do?’.”
Johnson originally joined Indiana during training camp in 2022. Including that signing, he has inked seven contracts with the blue and gold since that date. He is vital to the team’s success despite rarely playing.
Draymond Green on why James Johnson is so valuable to the Indiana Pacers pic.twitter.com/ZBykGyBVTi
— csb (@itsCSB__) May 6, 2024
“He’s the exact reason [Andrew] Nembhard acts the way he acts… I know the confidence that he has on the court, the demeanor he walks around with. That’s backed by something,” Green said of Johnson. The former Defensive Player of the Year called Johnson and O.G. and stressed the importance of vets on any team. “They’ve got a vet that’s well respected in the NBA. And if I’m honest, highly feared.”
Johnson has appeared in 27 regular season games for the Pacers and has averaged 2.2 points and 1.3 rebounds per game for the franchise.
Indiana
Game times announced for Saturday’s Final Four in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament’s Final Four is set.
Four teams have advanced to the Final Four and will compete for the national championship this upcoming weekend in Indianapolis.
The two national semifinal matchups will take place on Saturday. Tip times for the two games have been announced:
- 6:09 p.m. EDT – No. 3 seed Illinois vs. No. 2 seed UConn
- 8:49 p.m. EDT – No. 1 seed Michigan vs. No. 1 seed Arizona
The winners of Saturday’s games will then play in the National Championship Game on Monday, April 6.
Each game will take place inside Lucas Oil Stadium.
Indiana
Hundreds gather at Indiana State Capitol for ‘No Kings’ protest
INDIANAPOLIS — Hundreds of Hoosiers gathered at the Indiana Statehouse Saturday morning as part of nationwide ‘No Kings’ events to voice their concerns about the current administration.
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Hundreds gather at Indiana State Capitol for ‘No Kings’ protest
“I’m out here today because what’s happening in our government is completely trash,” Donna Sipes told WRTV. “It’s wrong. We need to do something about it.”
“I’m tired of every single day when the TV comes on to see what stupid thing he’s done next,” Lindi Marti said.
WRTV
Attendees noted the growing popularity of the demonstrations.
“This is my fourth one to come to. I didn’t come to all of them when it was really cold, but I’m glad to see that they are getting a lot more people out here every time,” Marti added. “It seems like there’s more and more coming.”
Demonstrators highlighted specific foreign policy concerns, including the administration’s handling of the war in Iran.
“We’re bombing the heck out of them. We’re killing civilians,” Marti’s husband said. “We’re getting ready to send our Marines.”
WRTV
Others focused on the administration’s handling of immigration.
“That’s what I’m concerned about,” Reverend Kenny Little told WRTV. “Little kids, they’re taking them away from their family. And I’m just one of those people, I think everyone got rights.”
Indiana medical students also attended the rally to speak out against changes to the healthcare system.
“We’re really worried about the attacks on the health care system in general, but with Medicaid… current estimates range from anywhere from 325,000 to 450,000 Hoosiers will lose coverage by 2032,” Wade Catt said with concern.
WRTV
With midterm elections approaching later this year, attendees emphasized the importance of now taking action at the ballot box.
“If we don’t vote, then things are gonna not, they’re gonna stay the same,” a protester said.
Meanwhile, Indiana Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith says he’s happy to see Hoosiers exercise their First Amendment right to protest.
However, he takes issue with the idea that President Trump is acting like a king. Beckwith says the fact that people have the freedom to protest is proof that the president is not acting like a tyrant.
He acknowledges that bridging the gap between the sides is probably an uphill battle, but believes communication is key.
“I think when you sit down with people face to face, you’re confronted with humanity. There’s another human sitting across that table from you and talking to you. And so, all I have to say, I think that’s probably the thing I would encourage all Hoosiers to do is say, ‘Hey, if you don’t agree with somebody or if you don’t like somebody, why don’t you try grabbing coffee with them? And give it 30 minutes, and just see what happens.’ I bet most of the time people will walk away with a much softer heart and spirit towards that person before they came in,” Beckwith said.
Beckwith is currently on a 92-county tour of the state. He says all sides are welcome to attend his events.
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Indiana
Young male dead after shooting on Indy’s northeast side
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Police say one “young man” is dead after a shooting at the 1200 block of Rue Rabelais at about 7:19 p.m. according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
That is near the intersection of 56th Street and Binford Boulevard.
Police say the victim was taken to Riley Hospital where he later died. Investigators say they are still working to identify the victim.
There was no known information about a suspect. Police did say that they believe this is a targeted incident.
There was no other information immediately available.
This story has been updated with information from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
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